Ann Arbor, MI Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Ann Arbor City Code § 8:104
- License required
- Registered master plumber
- Permit issued by
- Planning & Development Services
- Registration renewal
- Annually by April 1
- Homeowner exception
- Own residence, inspector-approved
Summary
Ann Arbor requires a registered master plumber's license and a Planning and Development Services permit before any plumbing work, with an inspected homeowner exception.
No person(s), firm or corporation shall work at, contract for or do any plumbing work within the City of Ann Arbor without first registering their master plumbers license with and obtaining the proper permits from Planning and Development Services, nor shall any Journeyman or Apprentice plumber work at or do plumbing without being registered. Registration of all master, journeyman, and apprentice plumbers shall be made on or before the first day of April each year.(a)Homeowner exception. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit any bona fide homeowner(s) from personally installing appliances or plumbing in their own residence, provided that the owner shall:(i)Apply for and secure a permit in accordance with the above sections of this chapter.(ii)Pay the required fees.(iii)Do the work themself/themselves in accordance with this Code.(iv)Apply for inspection.(v)Receive approval from the Plumbing Inspector. (Ord. No. 30-99, § 1, 8-2-99; Ord. No. 18-01, § 1, 4-16-01; Ord. No. 45-04, § 4, 1-3-05)
8:105. - Designation of regulated flood prone hazard areas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Ann Arbor enforces the state Plumbing Code, adopted under Michigan's Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act, through Chapter 100 of its Construction Code. No person, firm, or corporation may work at, contract for, or perform plumbing work in the city without first registering a master plumber's license with Planning and Development Services and obtaining a permit; journeyman and apprentice plumbers must likewise be registered, with registration renewed annually by April 1. Homeowners may install appliances or plumbing in their own residence without a license, but only after securing a permit, paying fees, doing the work themselves, and passing inspection by the Plumbing Inspector.
Violations & Fines
Plumbing work performed without a registered license and city permit violates Chapter 100 and is a municipal civil infraction, with fines starting at $250 for a first offense and rising to $1,000 for repeat violations within two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a homeowner do their own plumbing in Ann Arbor?
Who registers plumbing licenses in Ann Arbor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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